Ornamental Gate Unveiled for Marsha P. Johnson’s 78th

The entrance of Marsha P. Johnson just became more worthy of this park’s namesake. *Photo credit: Lori Ann Doyon*

August 24 marked Marsha P. Johnson’s 78th birthday! The community gathered around Marsha P. Johnson Park, to celebrate one of the more prominent people in the gay rights movement.

Marsha P. Johnson Park, previously East River State Park, was named after her in February 2020. She was a co-founder of the Gay Liberation and Street Action Revolutionaries (STAR), a leader of the 1969 Stonewall Rebellion, and participated in ACT UP. The community fought to make her park more nature-forward , and it has become a beloved part of Williamsburg.

On her birthday, NYS Governor Kathy Hochul unveiled a new entrance to the park in her honor.

“Marsha P. Johnson was a pioneer who took a stand for justice, fought for equal rights, and ultimately altered the trajectory of New York State history,” Governor Hochul said in a press release. “This new gateway entrance will allow visitors to pay tribute to her contributions to this state and country while enjoying the greenery of Brooklyn and sweeping Manhattan skyline views.”

The gateway was preceded by other recent improvements to the park like new landscaping. This includes “Marsha’s hillside,” new trees, permeable pathways, park furnishings, a Park House to have educational programming, panels documenting Marsha’s life, and more.

The park also hosted an art activity of making birthday cards for Marsha.

“Marsha P. Johnson State Park is a monument to Black, queer, and trans liberation; it is a tribute to beauty and nature; and it is a reminder that our work to create a Brooklyn for all is ongoing,” Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso said.

On her birthday, the community gathered to learn more about her, create flowers, and make birthday cards.

“She paved the way for so many, including myself,” New York State Executive Chamber Deputy Director of LGBTQ+ Affairs Chanel Lopez said. “This park is made for the community by the community, and I am grateful to Governor Hochul and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation for making this dream a reality.”